The Best Hostels for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

If you’re heading to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, you’re in for a treat: for one week in February, the city comes to a grinding halt and it’s impossible to not get caught up in the infectious sights and sounds of Carnival. We’ve got the best hostels that are affordably priced and conveniently located in Rio for your stay during the city’s world-famous celebration.

Discovery Hostel Rio

Hostel

The Discovery Hostel | Courtesy of Discovery Hostel

Winning points for its convenient location, friendly staff, and overall great vibe, Discovery Hostel is one of the best budget accommodation options in Rio. Located in the city’s Glória neighborhood, it’s a bit far from the regular tourist spots such as Copacabana and Ipanema but still within walking distance from all the central neighborhoods (and the beach is just a few subway stops away). For the Carnival street parties known as blocos, staying in Glória is ideal for being near all the best events in the city.

About the place:

Budget

Chill on the Beach Hostel

Hostel

The pretty facade of Chill on the Beach | Courtesy of Chill on the Beach

This beach hostel’s convenient location near Copacabana Beach is ideal for getting to experience some of the best beach-side Carnival street parties that attract thousands of people each year. The on-site bar—known for its potent caipirinhas with generous doses of cachaça—is the perfect spot to have pre-Carnival drinks and meet fellow travelers before diving into the chaotic festivities. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, a free buffet-style breakfast, and plenty of nearby transport links.

About the place:

Located in Leblon, Rio’s wealthiest neighborhood, Lemon Spirit Hostel is one of the very few affordable accommodation options in the affluent area. Just minutes away from one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro and surrounded by trendy bars, sophisticated restaurants, and public transport options, the Lemon Spirit Hostel’s location is perfect for a stay during Carnival, with some of the best and liveliest blocos happening right outside its doors.

About the place:

Budget

Walk on the Beach Hostel

Budget Hotel

Walk on the Beach Hostel | Courtesy of Walk on the Beach Hostel

Walk on the Beach Hostel is exactly what its name suggests—it’s situated just minutes from Copacabana Beach and less than five minutes away from Lagoa, Rio’s stunning natural lake. During Carnival, it’s set in the heart of the most popular blocos and a short walk from the late-night after parties on the beach. The mixed-gender dorms accommodate up to 12 people and come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and individual lockers for storing your belongings. You can cook and eat on-site in the spacious communal kitchen, mingle with guests at the hostel bar, or just chill out in the living area.

About the place:

Though the street parties in Botafogo tend to be smaller than those in other well-known areas, such as Santa Teresa and Copacabana, they tend to attract more locals and the crowds are more fun-loving. Vila Carioca Hostel is in the middle of Botafogo’s festivities and offers a pleasant environment to relax in between street parties. Its rooms are large and spacious with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a free buffet-style breakfast every morning.

About the place:

The common area at Gaia Comfort Hostel | Courtesy of Gaia Comfort Hostel

For spacious rooms, an airy living room, and an overall pleasant, welcoming atmosphere, Gaia Comfort Hostel is one of the best options in town (with the added bonus of offering great value for its affordable prices). Its location in the heart of Botafogo is perfect for enjoying the local street parties and for being able to quickly access public transport links to other parts of town. Only a couple of subway stops from Copacabana, the beach is also just minutes away.

About the place:

A local tip for Rio’s Carnival: the best Carnival street parties are always on the hillsides of the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Locals love their traditional and artsy festivities and the fun vibe of these blocos are worth making the trip up to the hills. You can also just stay at the Santa Terê Hostel located in the middle of Santa Teresa but also just a few minutes away from other popular neighborhoods like Lapa, Botafogo, and Copacabana. Guests at Santa Terê Hostel love the hostel’s cozy rooms, outdoor swimming pool, and incredible city views.